How syphilis is spread

Syphilis is mainly spread through close contact with an infected sore.

This usually happens during vaginal, anal or oral sex, or by sharing sex toys with someone who's infected. Anyone who's sexually active is potentially at risk.

Pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their unborn baby. Read more about Syphilis in pregnancy below.

It may be possible to catch syphilis if you're an injecting drug user and you share needles with somebody who's infected, or through blood transfusions (this is very rare in the UK as all blood donations are tested for syphilis).

Syphilis can't be spread by using the same toilet, clothing, cutlery or bathroom as an infected person.

Preventing syphilis

Syphilis can't always be prevented, but if you're sexually active you can reduce your risk by practising safer sex: